How many loves can be relived in the story of a devoted CEO pursuing his wife?

"Oh?" Lin Zhicheng stared at him with interest. "Is it reasonable for a perfectly respectable young lady from the Zeng family to condescend to work for the Lin family?"

“There’s no problem with it. Just consider it as having A-Dong help mentor her. She’ll be taking over the Zeng family business eventually. Given my relationship with Brother Cheng, even if there’s no romantic feeling between them, it’s still acceptable from a family-based friendship standpoint. Wasn’t I also mentored by you, Brother Cheng?” Zeng Fan looked up at Lin Zhicheng and smiled, then said with a well-thought-out plan, “That woman, isn’t she just clinging to A-Dong in the office? Making her uncomfortable might make her back down, and A-Dong and Ziyan can use work as an opportunity to develop their relationship. What do you think?”

"Hmm, this is feasible, but it will be unfair to Ziyan." Lin Zhicheng frowned slightly, crossed his hands, and propped one hand up with his chin, indicating that he thought this method was feasible.

“Brother Cheng, you don’t need to think like that. I feel sorry for her even more than you do. But pursuing her ideals is a kind of challenge for Ziyan. It would be good if they could end up together, but even if they can’t, it would be an honorable defeat, and she would have done right by her own devotion.” Zeng Fan’s words seemed flawless at first glance, but upon closer examination, they revealed the cold indifference of a predator.

They seemed to have forgotten the premise that Lin Xuedong and the girl were already mutually in love. Now, their focus was solely on the values ​​they were fighting for themselves.

Lin Zhicheng gritted his teeth; this was the only way he could fight it out. "Alright then, I'll personally bring Ziyan to the Lin family next Monday to report for duty."

On the other side, Lin Xuedong brought Zeng Ziyan to the coffee shop he frequented.

As the afternoon rush hour approached, the coffee shop was quiet and sparsely populated. The soothing music playing inside created a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere.

They chose a spot by the window, where the afternoon sun shone through the glass. Thanks to the window film that blocked light and heat, sitting by the window wasn't uncomfortable.

Lin Xuedong's handsome face appeared even more dashing under the soft light. A hint of happiness and joy lingered between his brows, making him look like a gentle breeze.

“Learn from Brother Dong.” Zeng Ziyan glanced up at the man sitting opposite her. He sat gracefully on the sofa, his long legs crossed. This was a rare moment alone with him, and she suppressed her excitement, slowly asking, “How have you been lately?”

Lin Xuedong paused for a moment, then nodded slightly with his head lowered. "Yes, it's fine."

"Regarding what happened last time, I want to apologize to you on behalf of my father." Zeng Ziyan's beautiful eyes sparkled, her tone tinged with a hint of probing. "My father doesn't know your stance on this matter. Therefore, he and Uncle Lin are still discussing the marriage alliance in depth. Now, you and Sisi... Brother Xue Dong, can I understand that there's absolutely no possibility of our relationship developing further?"

"Six months ago you said we weren't a good match, and I didn't think much of it then. Maybe we didn't have enough in common, and we didn't have many opportunities to spend time together, so it's hard to say whether we were a good match or not. So, as a girl, I'm willing to let things take their natural course. But now, my dad and Uncle Lin are thinking about the synergistic benefits of a marriage between our two families, and I believe you can understand that, Xue Dong. To be honest, I have feelings for you, Xue Dong, and my dad plans to have me take over the Zeng family business. He also values ​​your business acumen. So, if you were there to assist me in the future, he and Uncle Lin would feel at ease. However, ever since I learned about you and Sisi, I've felt this situation is very awkward." She said a lot in one breath, swallowed hard, and constantly observed the man's reaction.

“Ziyan, when I said we weren’t suitable, it wasn’t because of our relationship or interactions. It’s because my heart has always belonged to someone else. So, it’s entirely my personal problem, and neither you nor Uncle Zeng need to feel embarrassed or ashamed about it.” They were no longer in their youthful, passionate years, and he hoped Zeng Ziyan could be a little more rational and let it go as soon as possible.

Has she always had someone she liked?!

Zeng Ziyan watched him speak calmly, a sudden pang of pain rising in her heart. Her hands clenched into fists, and she asked with a resentful look in her eyes, "Is it Sisi?"

The man picked up the coffee cup, holding the saucer in one hand and the handle with the other. He elegantly brought it to his lips, gently sniffed it, and then slowly took a sip.

He ordered an Americano, no sugar, no milk, with a mellow, slightly sweet taste that was perfect for waking up from the afternoon's languor. "Yes, it's her."

Ah! So it was her all along.

Zeng Ziyan felt depressed, and her fingernails dug into her palms, causing a sharp pain.

She tried hard to suppress her displeasure, forcing out a faint, dismissive smile. "Oh, now I completely understand. Don't worry, Xue Dong, I'll explain everything to my dad when I get back. Relationships can't be forced or coerced. I wish you and Sisi happiness."

Lin Xuedong paused slightly, his deep eyes scrutinizing Zeng Ziyan. Seeing her composed demeanor, he put down his coffee and smiled, replying, "Thank you. Once things are cleared up, there'll be no more worries."

"Yes, Xue Dong. You know, with our background, marriage is sometimes a very uncontrollable matter. I really envy you being able to enjoy free love. I wonder what my dad will come up with next. I'm so fed up with those blind dates with ulterior motives." Zeng Ziyan smiled self-deprecatingly, easily changing the subject and trying to make him lower his guard.

"Ziyan, don't be discouraged. You're a good girl, and you'll find your happiness." Although the words were a bit old-fashioned and cliché, Lin Xuedong still sincerely wished her well. "From now on, we're friends. Don't hesitate to ask if you need any help."

"Hehe~, Brother Xuedong, you're so kind!" Zeng Ziyan's eyes darted around as she teased him. "Are you sure you'll help me?"

If it wasn't excessive and didn't violate any principles, he thought he would help out because of the long-standing friendship between the Lin and Zeng families. "Oh? Tell me about it?"

"Sigh~." Zeng Ziyan sighed deeply, shook her head, and said dejectedly, "Brother Xuedong, you know I'm an only child, and sooner or later my dad will pull me into Zeng's. But I'm really not interested in doing business, and I have no experience, so I'm really confused."

“Let’s get to know each other first, take it slow.” Lin Xuedong glanced at her. They had similar backgrounds and both faced the issue of succession. So, he could understand. “If all else fails, you can also hire a professional manager to run the company.”

Zeng Ziyan shrugged and smiled helplessly. "Do you think my dad would hand the company over to someone else?"

"Then while you're still young, put away your playful nature and learn from Uncle Zeng as you go."

Zeng Ziyan pouted, her face full of distress. "Wouldn't that be even more of a nightmare for me? I'd rather work hard at another company for a year or two and then decide. I have to obey him on my marriage, live with him, and be inseparable from him at work? Xue Dong, please stop messing with me. If you want to help me, please help me think of a solution."

The saying "a soft rope can kill" perfectly illustrates this point; she was using a policy of appeasement.

Lin Xuedong thought about it and agreed. While parents' example and teachings are important, a long-term one-way parenting style can inevitably lead to neglect and resentment.

When it comes to gaining experience, the most direct way is to go out and explore; you'll have a deeper understanding.

"So what are your plans?"

"No, I really have no interest in going into business. I'll probably have to follow my dad's arrangements in the end. Sigh... I'm not going to think about it anymore, it's too annoying. I'll just put it off for now!" As Zeng Ziyan spoke, a barely perceptible, eerie look flashed across her eyes.

She decided to retreat first as a strategic move, wondering how her father's persuasion was going. If it succeeded, she could approach Lin Xuedong openly and catch Liu Sisi off guard.

Lin Xuedong nodded slightly and pursed his thin lips, saying, "In short, if there's anything I can do to help, just let me know."

"Thank you, Brother Xue Dong." Zeng Ziyan smiled knowingly, revealing no trace of the twisted thoughts beneath her facade.